Paradise Awaits

All work and no play can wear a girl out! Sometimes we need to get away to rejuvenate our spirit and clear our minds from the hustle of everyday life. Next time you get the urge to get out of dodge for a few days, consider visiting the tropical paradise of Puerto Rico. Since you don’t need a passport to enter the country, the island serenity is just a hop, skip and a plane ride away.

For those seeking a relaxing vacation filled with beaches, fine dining and an active nightlife, you’ll want to check out the Isla Verde Beach Resort located in the heart of San Juan, PR. Situated on the biggest beach in the metro area, the resort offers accommodations for families, couples and business travelers alike. Each room features a balcony or patio with a breath-taking ocean view, where you can watch the sunrise before heading out on a morning beach run.

Who wouldn’t enjoy this spectacular view before a run?

Between the refreshing pool, tranquil beach, full service casino and nightly Salsa dancing lessons, you won’t have to leave the resort to achieve a mix of relaxation and entertainment.

The Isla Verde Beach Resort offers several restaurants to wet your appetite with Caribbean fusion cuisine. From fresh seafood with a tropical fruit twist to various native root vegetables, you can enjoy amazing food to satisfy your palate. Make sure you save room for dessert, as decadence is a specialty and your morning run ensures you can indulge.

If you don’t order dessert at dinner, you can always have these beauties delivered to your room for a midnight snack.

If you’re more suited for a remote destination experience, the Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa is the place for you. Located 90 miles outside of San Juan, in Guanica, the Copamarina is an adventure lover’s delight. Though the remote location lends itself to a more rustic feel, the accommodations remain luxurious (including a full service spa where you can experience a massage, facial or more!). Each of the 106 guest rooms includes a furnished patio or balcony with views of the Caribbean sea or lush tropical gardens.

This view at the Copamarina is easy on the eyes. . .

While you can certainly head out for a daily beach run, you might want to explore one of the world’s largest dry forests, which is positioned within walking distance from the resort. Runners are welcome to canvass both the natural and paved trails that traverse the forest from sunrise to sunset.

Miles sore by when this is your scenery!

The Copamarina offers an array of watersports including sailing, snorkeling and snuba for guests to enjoy. For those who are not scuba certified, snuba allows you to scout the ocean with an oxygen line tethered to a tank floating on the water’s surface. It’s all the rage and so much fun!

Women’s Running Blog writer @KaraDeschenes gets in some cross training by exploring the ocean – snuba style!

After relishing a day on the water, guests can satisfy a healthy appetite at one of the resort’s restaurants. With a mix of casual and fine dining, the resort delivers unique menu selections sure to entice your senses with the island flare.

While we normally like grilled fish, this guy was just caught from the sea and fried to perfection (plus we’re on vacation, right?!).

A little rest and relaxation are good for the soul (especially in a serene setting!). Throw your bathing suit, sundresses, sandals and running gear in your suitcase and– voila! – paradise awaits.

Nothing beats post run rehydration like fresh coconut water!

If you could get away today, where would you choose to visit?